PURPOSEThe primary purpose of the Endowment Fund of Eaton Rapids First United Methodist Church is to provide a permanent endowment of financial support from gifts and bequests from members and constituents of the church. Gifts to the Fund are held in perpetuity with income used to further the church’s Christian ministry and missions as designated by the donor and managed by the church’s Permanent Endowment and Planned Giving Ministry Committee. Income from the Endowment Fund is not intended for the church’s general operating expenses, which must be and should be paid primarily from the ongoing regular offerings of committed church members and constituents.

A LEGACY GIFTA gift to the Endowment Fund creates a legacy well into the future. The donation has an immediate impact upon generations to come. Because only the income from the gift can be used while the principal remains invested, it is truly “the gift that keeps on giving.” It perpetuates the donor’s benevolence far beyond the year in which it was given.

VARIETY OF MINISTRY AND MISSION OPPORTUNITIESDonors to the Endowment Fund can select among six accounts established to address a variety of ministry and mission opportunities:

Undesignated Ministry Account to fund ministries and missions in the discretion of the Permanent Endowment and Planned Giving Ministry Committee.

Capital Improvements Account to provide for capital improvements, major repairs, equipment, furnishings or decorations for any properties owned by the church.

Special Program Needs Account to fund special programs and projects of the local church.

Swank College Scholarship Account to fund awards to church members who wish to continue their education beyond high school.

Perkey Camp Scholarship Account to assist children and youth to attend church camp.

Music, Worship, and Arts Account to enhance the worship experience and provide funds for musical instrument replacement and repair, other instruments, lighting and sound equipment, visuals, music leadership, choirs, special programs, drama, and technology related to all of the foregoing.

TYPES OF GIFTS The Endowment Fund is uniquely suited for the donor who wishes to do more to fund the ministry and mission of the church than to only give a portion of their income. It is the ideal recipient for major donations of all kinds, such as life insurance, bequests, appreciated securities, and real estate. Although the Endowment Committee must review all non-cash gifts prior to acceptance, proposals for such gifts are encouraged. The Committee is prepared to work with the donor and the donor’s financial consultants to maximize the tax and other financial planning advantages of making these types of gifts.

HISTORY OF THE FUNDEstablished in 1994, the Endowment Fund was updated with a new charter in 2017 by which time it had grown to over $340,000 and had provided funding of over $36,000 for capital expenditures and ministries. These include items as diverse as air conditioning units, retreats, bathroom remodeling, block parties, and youth scholarships. The money in the Endowment Fund is invested with the United Methodist Foundation of Michigan where a conscious effort is made to invest in accordance with the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church as stated in The Book of Discipline.

FOR MORE INFORMATIONIf you would like to make arrangements to speak to the pastor or a member of the Permanent Endowment and Planned Giving Committee about this unique opportunity for stewardship please contact the church office.